Enable Mobility with Wearable Muscle Imaging
We create devices for rehabilitation that can be worn underneath clothes
Enable Mobility with Wearable Muscle Imaging
We create devices for rehabilitation that can be worn underneath clothes
About MyoMech
Over 5.4 million people in the United States are mobility-impaired due to stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. Their rehabilitation costs approximately $34B to the healthcare system, with an average daily cost ranging from $716 to $991 per patient.
MyoMech was formed in 2022 by Dr. Sharma's Lab at NC State University. MyoMech is developing wearable ultrasound sensors to detect muscle fatique. We are integrating these sensors into rehab devices to maximize mobility and optimize recovery in people with lower limb disabilities.
About Wearable Sleeve
MyoMech utilizes a novel neural sleeve, composed of a sleeved garment that fits over one leg (covering ankle to hip). This sleeve works to restore mobility in people with lower limb disabilities. The embedded US sensors and FES electrodes in the garment will simultaneously monitor muscle state and control closed-loop FES in the quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and ankle dorsiflexor muscles.
These sensors use a novel image processing algorithm that detects a muscle's length, thickness, and strain changes due to the FES-induced fatigue or user intent (a great improvement over EMG sensors). The integrated closed-loop FES system precisely coordinates assistance with the user's voluntary effort to prolong mobility, and increase therapeutic benefits. The sensor feedback will proactively modulate FES inputs to elicit synchronized and fatigue-resistant muscle responses.
Our Vision
After working with lower-limb rehab devices for many years, our team has recognized shortcomings with these devices that prevent them from helping the majority of people with lower limb disabilities. Most people also prefer not to be seen wearing these cumbersome devices in their everyday lives. MyoMech recognizes that people want to wear a lightweight device underneath clothing that can restore mobility for the entire day.
While there are already devices that are wearable underneath clothing, such as the Walkaide or the Bioness L300, these devices use FES and only work on one muscle group. They also do not image the muscles.
MyoMech creates rehabilitation devices that not only fit under clothing, but also have the ability to sense what the muscles are doing, via novel wearable ultrasound sensors.
Our devices feature a phone app that is accessible and informative for people with disabilities, medical professionals, and athletes. By doing this, we aim to create devices that can be adopted by everyday people, while maximizing mobility and optimizing recovery through muscle imaging.
Our Team
Dr. Nitin Sharma
Dr. Xioaning Jiang
Dr. Xioaning Jiang
PRESIDENT
Dr. Sharma received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UF in 2008 and 2010, respectively. He is an Associate Professor with NC State University's BME department. His work has been recognized with awards that include the 2018 NSF CAREER award, 2019 IEEE Control Systems Technology Award, and 2021's NIBIB Trailblazer Award.
For MyoMech, Dr. Sharma guides overall direction and the design of ultrasound fatigue detection algorithms.
Dr. Xioaning Jiang
Dr. Xioaning Jiang
Dr. Xioaning Jiang
CO-FOUNDER
Dr. Jiang is a Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University. He received his Ph.D. from Tsinghua University in 1997. He also served as the Vice President for TRS Technologies prior to joining NC State.
For MyoMech, Dr. Jiang provides expertise and guidance in the design and manufacturing of the wearable ultrasound sensors.
Tim Hopper
Dr. Xioaning Jiang
Tim Hopper
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
A Rehabilitation Technology Commercialization Consultant, Tim Hopper has extensive experience bringing medical technologies to market. Over the past five years, he has focused heavily on robotics, sensors, and transcutaneous spinal stimulation technologies.
For MyoMech, Tim assists with commercialization efforts and FDA guidance.